Extracellular vesicles and female reproduction

• Published in: Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics Vol. 38; no. 3; pp. 549 - 557
• Main Authors: Machtinger, Ronit, Baccarelli, Andrea A., Wu, Haotian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01-03-2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Cell interactions; Cell signaling; Cytokines; Embryo Implantation; Extracellular vesicles; Extracellular Vesicles - genetics; Extracellular Vesicles - metabolism; Female; Fertilization; Folliculogenesis; Gynecology; Human Genetics; Humans; Lipids; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Membrane vesicles; miRNA; Ovarian Follicle - cytology; Ovarian Follicle - physiology; Reproduction; Reproductive Medicine; Review; Signal transduction; Extracellular vesicles; miRNA; Embryos; Infertility; Blastocyst
• ISSN: 1058-0468; 1573-7330
• DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-02048-2

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane bound complexes that have been identified as a mean for intercellular communication between cells and tissues both in physiological and pathological conditions. These vesicles contain numerous molecules involved in signal transduction including microRNAs, mRNAs, DNA, proteins, lipids, and cytokines and can affect the behavior of recipient cells. Female reproduction is dependent on extremely fine-tuned endocrine regulation, and EVs may represent an added layer that contributes to this regulation. This narrative review article provides an update on the research of the role of EVs in female reproduction including folliculogenesis, fertilization, embryo quality, and implantation. We also highlight potential pitfalls in typical EV studies and discuss gaps in the current literature.